Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe to Impress

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy, dreamy cover of rich cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, all baked to golden perfection. The moment you pull it from the oven, the aroma wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day.

This dish isn’t just for fancy dinner parties; it’s perfect for any night when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience that’ll make your heart sing.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor; remember to let it soften at room temperature.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves that pack a punch; minced garlic adds depth to our creamy mixture.

• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings a delightful herby warmth that’s simply irresistible.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully over the top—because who doesn’t love more cheese?

• Salt and Pepper: Essential basics for seasoning; they enhance every layer of flavor in this dish.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can savor all the flavors without overwhelming saltiness.

• Honey: A little sweetness balances out the savory notes perfectly; use pure honey for the best taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so that our glorious chicken doesn’t stick!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This is where we start building our flavor foundation.

Step 3: Make That Creamy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs. Stir until everything blends together into one creamy dream.

Step 4: Assemble It All Together

Spread half of your creamy mixture over each chicken breast in the baking dish. Don’t skimp here! You want every bite to be rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Some Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each piece of chicken before drizzling with soy sauce mixed with honey. This will help create that golden crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). The edges should be bubbly and lightly browned.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every last bite of this mouthwatering Baked Cream Cheese Chicken! Your taste buds will thank you later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in that juicy goodness, then whip up a quick sauce while your oven preheats. You can bake them together for about 30 minutes, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for a different soft cheese or add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch. Herbs like basil or oregano can also elevate your baked cream cheese chicken to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring that delicious creaminess returns.

Cooking this dish reminds me of that one family gathering where everyone was too busy complimenting my cooking instead of eating! I had to physically nudge them toward their plates, and honestly, I think they were just mesmerized by the creaminess!

FAQs:

What is Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that combines chicken breasts with a rich cream cheese filling. The chicken is typically seasoned and baked until tender, resulting in a flavorful meal. This recipe can be customized with various herbs and spices to enhance its taste. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

How long does it take to prepare Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?

Preparing Baked Cream Cheese Chicken usually takes about 15 minutes. The baking process typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Overall, you can have this flavorful dish ready in less than an hour. It’s quick to prepare while still being impressive enough for guests or family gatherings.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a nutritious option. You could also add rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A fresh garden salad complements this dish nicely, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Conclusion for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

In summary, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy yet indulgent recipe that everyone will love. Its creamy filling and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of flavors. You can customize this dish with different seasonings and sides to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy all palates. Enjoy making this delightful dish today!

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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. Tender chicken is topped with a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ensuring a delightful flavor experience that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, minced garlic, and dried herbs until well combined.
4. Spread half of the creamy mixture over each chicken breast in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each piece of chicken and drizzle with soy sauce mixed with honey.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is lightly browned.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor variations, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy mixture. - Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even results.